Alabama vs. Auburn Preseason Iron Bowl of Basketball Set for October
Alabama basketball will renew its fierce rivalry with Auburn in a preseason exhibition matchup on Oct. 22 at Legacy Arena in Birmingham, according to On3's Justin Hokanson. The Crimson Tide and Tigers will meet in what promises to be an early-season test for both programs.
This exhibition is one of two tune-up games for Alabama under head coach Nate Oats. The Crimson Tide will also face Ole Miss on Oct. 15 at Boutwell Auditorium in Birmingham.
Alabama holds commanding series lead over Auburn
The all-time series heavily favors Alabama, with the Crimson Tide holding a 103-69 record against Auburn dating back to their first meeting on Feb. 28, 1924. Alabama currently rides a three-game winning streak in the rivalry.
The most recent matchup came in the 2025-26 regular-season finale on March 7, when Alabama defeated Auburn 96-84 at home. That victory secured the Crimson Tide the No. 2 seed in the SEC Tournament, breaking a tie in the conference standings with Arkansas, which dropped to the No. 3 seed.
Key performers in the last Iron Bowl of Basketball
Aden Holloway and Labaron Philon Jr. each scored 21 points in that March victory. The duo's ability to attack the lane proved decisive, as Alabama outscored Auburn 58-32 in the paint. The Crimson Tide also dominated the glass, out-rebounding the Tigers 42-28, including 19 offensive rebounds that led to 24 second-chance points.
Alabama's 2026-27 SEC schedule
Alabama's conference slate features several marquee matchups, including home games against Florida, Arkansas, and Auburn, plus road trips to Kentucky, Tennessee, and Texas A&M.
- Jan. 2: at Mississippi State
- Jan. 5/6: vs. LSU
- Jan. 9: at Arkansas
- Jan. 12/13: vs. Ole Miss
- Jan. 16: vs. Florida
- Jan. 19/20: at South Carolina
- Jan. 23: vs. Oklahoma
- Jan. 26/27: at Missouri
- Jan. 30: vs. Auburn
- Feb. 6: at Kentucky
- Feb. 9/10: at Texas
- Feb. 13: vs. Arkansas
- Feb. 16/17: vs. Mississippi State
- Feb. 20: at Tennessee
- Feb. 23/24: at Texas A&M
- Feb. 27: vs. Vanderbilt
- March 2/3: vs. Georgia
- March 6: at Auburn
Non-conference slate includes Iowa matchup in Des Moines
The SEC schedule release came four days after Alabama learned its full non-conference slate. Notably for Iowa readers, the Crimson Tide will face the Iowa Hawkeyes on Dec. 21 in Des Moines, Iowa. That game gives Iowa fans a chance to see a top-tier SEC program in person.
- Nov. 3: vs. Sam Houston
- Nov. 6: vs. Arkansas State
- Nov. 9: vs. Oakland
- Nov. 13: vs. Seton Hall
- Nov. 17: vs. Kennesaw State
- Nov. 24: vs. Baylor at Players Era Championships in Las Vegas
- Nov. 26: vs. winner of Gonzaga/Kansas State at Players Era
- Nov. 27/28: Players Era
- Dec. 2: at Miami in ACC/SEC Challenge
- Dec. 8: vs. Houston at the Jimmy V Classic in Madison Square Garden
- Dec. 12: vs. St. John's in Birmingham
- Dec. 16: at South Florida
- Dec. 21: vs. Iowa in Des Moines, Iowa
- Dec. 29: vs. Samford
What this means for Iowa basketball fans
The Dec. 21 matchup between Iowa and Alabama in Des Moines shapes up as one of the marquee non-conference games for the Hawkeyes. Alabama's high-octane style under Nate Oats, combined with Iowa's up-tempo approach, should make for an entertaining contest in the heartland.
Iowa fans will also be watching the SEC schedule with interest, as several former Big Ten rivals and familiar faces now compete in the SEC. The expanded conference landscape continues to create compelling cross-regional matchups that benefit basketball fans across the country.
For Alabama, the preseason exhibitions against Auburn and Ole Miss provide early opportunities to build chemistry before the regular season begins Nov. 3 against Sam Houston.